Kay Hively: Christmas a time to share with others

Sunday

As I think about Christmas on the doorstep, I wonder about children all around the world and how they view this day.

Kids of the world! Just a few hours left!

As I think about Christmas on the doorstep, I wonder about children all around the world and how they view this day. I wonder if there are children who experience Christmas as I did in my childhood. Are there 8-year-old children someplace in the world who still truly believe in Santa Claus? Are there kids whose parents still keep the secrets of Christmas from them at that age?

Are there still children who don't get a toy at any other time of the year? Are there children who get their only apples and oranges in a Christmas stocking?

Are there children who still sneak away somewhere to work on a gift for a brother or sister or a parent? Are there little boys trying to whittle a toy for a sister or a little girl who is embroidering a hankie for her mother?

Is there still a father who is saving a few coins to buy his wife a scarf or a pair of gloves?

I hope somewhere in the world, a rich man has sent someone to the basement for cardboard box because he's seen a needy family and he's going to pack up a box and deliver it himself.

Somewhere in this world, there must be a young boy with a whistle who will play a carol for a shut-in.

Can we possibly hope that a well-financed couple will give up that holiday trip to the Caribbean and give the money to the Salvation Army?

Is someone, somewhere, leaving a box of groceries on someone's porch or going to the electric company's office and paying someone's electric bill this month?

It is no secret that our Christmas, our lives in general, are made happier if we give to others and forsake ourselves.

Neosho and its neighbors have a long history of helping neighbors at this time of year and throughout the days of the calendar. While it's grand to provide a Christmas dinner, we must not forget that people have to eat in March and August, as well as in December.

So, here we are. The turkey is thawing, the fruitcakes are waiting, the stockings are ready to hang, the carols are ringing all around town as millions and millions of people pause together to remember the Christ child and what his coming has brought to this sometimes weary world.

As we wrap up the season, I wish you warmth and love and good companionship. And may we all carry only the good things in our heart as we spend another year waiting for Christmas. Looking back from today to last Christmas, I am awed by all the good people and the good deeds of which I am aware. May next year be the same.

No matter your religious beliefs, I hope you find only the joys of the spirit of Christmas. So, I say to everyone, "Merry, Merry Christmas."

Neosho Daily News

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